Dortmund v RB Leipzig – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Dortmund host RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on Friday night in a clash of title contenders. BVB sits second in the table on goal difference while The Red Bulls are four points back. Both sides are in largely excellent form. The last eight meetings between these sides have produced 32 goals and Leipzig have won the last three clashes.

Dortmund are in great form. Since the World Cup break, they’ve won all nine of their matches. They’re now level on points with Bayern Munich in the league and hold a first-leg advantage in their UEFA Champions League round of 16 ties. They’ve netted 23 goals since the resumption and have kept three clean sheets in their last four matches.

They beat Wolfsburg 2-0 as preparation for facing Chelsea, who they beat 1-0 to take a first-leg advantage in Europe. Since that victory, they’ve kept their focus and beat Hertha Berlin four days later. In their last match, a Julian Brandt goal secured a 1-0 victory at relegation-threatened Hoffenheim.

Dortmund Team News

Karim Adeyemi scored against Chelsea and Hertha Berlin but injured his thigh in the latter fixture and will miss this match. Another attacker in Youssoufa Moukoko is also absent with an ankle problem.

Teenage forward Julian Duranville, defensive midfielder Abdoulaye Kamara and right back Matey Morey are also missing from this key match. Experienced defenders Thomas Meunier and Mats Hummels may both only be on the bench as they were at Hoffenheim.

Dortmund Motivation

This is a huge match for Dortmund and a must-win. Bayern are expected to their match at 15th-placed Stuttgart, so BVB needs to keep pace. They play first and can put some pressure on the leaders.

Dortmund travels to Chelsea in midweek but all focus will be on this one.

RB Leipzig Form

Marco Rose’s team have only been beaten once since September as his arrival continues to revitalise the club. Prior to the World Cup, the side were 13 unbeaten including a memorable 3-2 win at home against Real Madrid. After club football resumed, they drew 1-1 at home with Bayern Munich but another draw, 0-0 at FC Koln followed soon after. Their unbeaten run was ended by a 2-1 home loss to Union Berlin.

Since that defeat, they’ve won 3-0 at Wolfsburg and secured a reasonable 1-1 home draw with Man City in the UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg. On Saturday, they beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 as Timo Werner and Emil Forsberg scored the goals.

RB Leipzig Team News

Captain and goalkeeper, Peter Gulacsi is injured with Janis Blaswich deputising well in goal. Last season’s Player of the Year, Christopher Nkunku is on the comeback trail from injury and continues to get sub outings. He is not expected to start this match.

Creative attacker Dani Olmo is out and on-loan defender Abdou Diallo is doubtful. Right back Lukas Klosterman is also a doubt with Benjamin Henrichs on call to deputise. Yussuf Poulsen was a surprise start over the weekend but Andre Silva should reclaim his spot up front in the side’s attacking 4-4-2.

RB Leipzig Motivation

The Red Bulls will attack, knowing that they’re four points behind and a draw won’t be much help.

They have a full week off after this match with no European distractions so everything can go into this one.

Key Stats

Dortmund have won their last 9 matches in all competitions

Dortmund have lost their last 3 matches vs RB Leipzig (9-2 aggregate)

Dortmund’s last 6 home league matches have produced 30 goals (5 conceded in the last 3)

RB Leipzig have lost just once in 22 matches unbeaten (16 wins, 6 draws)

Leipzig have seen Both Teams Scoring in 11 of their last 14 league matches

These sides have seen 32 goals scored in their last 8 meetings (4.0 goals per match)

Verdict

This match scored have goals. BVB’s home games in the Bundesliga are very high scoring and this fixture also tends to have plenty of goals to feast on. The hosts are more likely to win despite their recent record vs the Red Bulls.

Best Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 2.45

Alternative Bet: Dortmund win at 2.25

Goalscorer Tip: Sebastien Haller anytime goalscorer at 2.65

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis